Jaywalking is a term used to refer to illegally crossing the street, typically not at a crosswalk. In some states, this is considered a pedestrian violation, and it can net you a ticket or fine. Even so, Pennsylvania does not officially use the term “jaywalking.”
However, that does not mean that you will not face penalties if you disobey certain pedestrian injury and safety laws that cover illegally crossing the street. Because these laws may not use the exact terms, you may need to familiarize yourself with them, especially if you are accused of breaking them.
Laws That Impact Pedestrians in Pennsylvania
As a pedestrian, you have many traffic laws that are meant to protect you, just like drivers. While it is as important for drivers to take care to watch for pedestrians, as you have fewer physical protection options, ensuring that you are following state pedestrian laws can impact your future. Below are a few common pedestrian violations that can lead to major trouble for you if you are accused of them:
- Disobeying traffic signals
- Crossing a roadway anywhere other than a crosswalk
- Crossing an intersection diagonally
- Failure to yield the right away if crossing outside of a crosswalk
- Suddenly leaving the curb or otherwise entering the path of a vehicle that would have no time to yield
Breaking any pedestrian laws can, most importantly, lead to a dangerous car accident. In fact, you may have already been injured because someone hurt you while illegally crossing the street or otherwise not following these laws. In other cases, you may face issues if you are ticketed or face a fine because of this.
Pedestrian Law May Impact Fault in Your Lawsuit
In some cases, you may have a lawsuit because someone injured you as a pedestrian. While you have the right to sue as a pedestrian, the at-fault party may try to place the blame on you. Worse, if you break a pedestrian law, it can impact your lawsuit.
For example, the defense may claim you illegally crossed somewhere other than a crosswalk. While the driver may have actually caused your accident, by failing to follow these laws, you may be held partly responsible for the accident. When this happens, Pittsburgh pedestrian accident lawyers share that it can reduce your compensation.
That is why it is vital to seek evidence that you were not committing jaywalking or other pedestrian violations. Signs that you were breaking these laws can impact your ability to get compensated, as your compensation may be reduced if you accept the blame. In these cases, you may even need aid from a knowledgeable Pittsburgh personal injury attorney to guide you through the next steps forward after your accident.
What to Do If You Are Struck by a Driver
When you are struck by a driver as a pedestrian, one of the first steps you need to take is to seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, be sure to talk with a doctor, go to the hospital, or otherwise get medical care to assess your injuries and give you the help you need. If you do not act, it can impact your ability to sue.
After this, keep in mind that you may have grounds for a lawsuit against the driver who struck you. As an injury victim, working with an experienced car accident attorney in Pittsburgh can help you hold a negligent driver liable for causing injuries.
Finally, be sure that you have the evidence you need to show you were not breaking pedestrian laws, such as jaywalking. While the term jaywalking may not appear in Pennsylvania’s traffic code, that does not mean that behavior is not prohibited. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your case and get compensated for the suffering you have experienced.